Chapter 39. Fishing and revelation


"A fishing trip?" Jack questioned. He and everyone else were in the I.M.P. meeting room waiting for Stolas to show the team the base.

"Yeah. Dreck suggested it for good luck. He can get us a reservation the night before and afterwards we can cook up all we caught!" Moxxie announced.

"That actually sounds like fun!" Blitzø agreed.

"Will we even fit on one boat?" Millie asked.

"Dreck suggested we break up in pairs, even said we could go with him in picking them out. It'd be easier that way since we have to pay." Moxxie answered.

"We gotta pay for the boats ourselves?" Blitzø raised a brow.

"He's not rich. The corps may pay well and halos do have worth, but it doesn't help much when you consider they have to pay for their own equipment, especially since Halos are directly used for that. He will give us a deal though."

"And before you bring up my place, I don't even pay full price for rent, I pay my share to that liaison from the person who did give the place." Poch explained.

"Who DID give you that place?" Blitzø wondered.

"No clue, but he, or she, is an Exterminator at least."

"Huh. Well we make good money anyways so im sure itll be fine."

"Is it just us allowed to go?" Dundy questioned.

"He told me to tell him who all is coming before we get the boats. Planning to invite Octavia?" Moxxie smirked.

"M-maybe."

"Well I'm gonna invite Stolas so I'm sure he'll be ok with her coming, as long as you're within viewing distance." Blitzø said.

"I- y'know what, I'm not going to comment."

Blitzø's phone beeped. "Oh, Stolas is coming!" He announced after checking his phone. He moved out the way to let his lover come through.

"Morning everyone." Stolas greeted as he came in, his daughter being right behind him.

"Hi." Octavia smiled.

"We were just talking about you two." Shred said.

"Oh? What for?" Stolas wondered.

"My dad invited us all on a fishing trip and Blitzø was gonna invite you."

"He was?"

"Gee thanks for ruining the surprise Shred." Blitzø deadpanned before facing Stolas. "Anyways, yeah, Shred's dad invited us all to go fishing before The Cleansing and since we'll be going in pairs I just…" Blitzø blushed, "thought'd it be nice if we went together."

Stolas smiled wide. "I'd love that Blitzy!"

Blitzø smiled a small bit. "Good, cause you're helping me pick the boats out after you show us the base."

Stolas's smile dropped and he had a shocked look on his face before it became a nervous one where he was avoiding eye contact and fiddling with his fingers. "R-right… that."

Blitzø raised a brow. "Something wrong with boats?"

"N-no it's… it's not that."

"If you're worried about a disguise I may not have the spell down but I do have a good wig and some makeup."

"Oh we are not risking that." Stolas frowned. "I'll handle finding one for us and I'll call you about it."

"Ah but I-"

"No buts!" He said sternly.

"Fine." Blitzø sulked.

"Good." Stolas smiled.

"Alright, your turn Dundy?" Jack told the owl.

"Huh?" Dundy looked at him, confused.

"His turn for what?" Stolas asked.

"He was gonna ask Octavia out on this trip. Bird boy was gonna make it a date." Jack smirked. "DOF!" He was hit straight in his cheek by Dundy's fist, he had his glove one too, knocking the Imp exterminator away a few feet.

"Oh really?" Octavia said with an amused look on her face.

"Really?" Stolas said with an unamused look.

Dundy sighed, pinching his nose bridge. "I was going to ask her out, but not as a date."

"What as then?"

"Just as a friendly gathering, that's all."

"Yeah just two friends on a romantic boat." Shred smirked. Dundy swung at him but Shred blocked, sliding back a bit. "HAH! OUCH!" In his short lived smarm, Echo wacked him in the back of the head. Shred glared at the exterminator, rubbing the lump he got. "Dick!"

"It was deserved." Echo replied.

"Anyways," Dundy rolled his eyes before turning to Octavia, "I would like to pair up with you on this fishing trip if you don't mind."

Octavia smiled. "I'd love that."

"Ahem. I'm assuming whatever boat you're on will stay very VERY close to ours."

Octavia groaned with slight annoyance before turning to her father. "We promise to be in view, but that's all."

Stolas mulled it over. "Hmmmm."

"Oh c'mon Stolas," Blitzø wrapped his arm around his boyfriend, "she's nearly eighteen I think she deserves to have a little time alone with him."

"Hrnnng." Stolas still wasn't too sure of it.

"Plus you've seen Dundy, he's nowhere near as pervy as Poch is."

"Huh?" Poch looked at them offended, Loona giving the same kind of look.

"That is true, and I know Octavia wouldn't feed into that perviness." Stolas said.

"Hey!" Loona nearly barked, Poch furrowing his brow.

"You two may be a couple but that target is still usable." Moxxie smirked.

"Shivarna." Poch called, summoning his Shadow Demon to flick Moxxie in the nose.

"Ouch!" Moxxie covered his sore nose.

"Sorry hun, but you deserved that." Millie said.

"Alright, I'll allow it, but" Stolas got close to Dundy, "I'm watching you!"

"Noted," Dundy said uncomfortably.

"Now that Dundy asked his girl out," Shred said, ducking under Dundy's punch and blocking Echo's backhand. "HAH! DOF!" He failed to block or dodge Shivarna's punch, hitting him straight in the face, knocking him back. "OW! Shivarna!" He glared at the Shadow Demon, rubbing his nose.

"Poch made me do it." Shivarna smirked.

"No I didn't." Poch replied.

"Anyways," Shred got up, "we got Blitzø and Stolas pairing, Dundy and Octavia, Poch and Loona, Millie and Moxxie, and Shelly and Solis. That leaves me, Jack, Echo, and my dad. I can go with my old man unless you guys wanna go with me?"

"I can tolerate Jack enough for this." Echo said.

"Sweet…. Whaddya mean tolerate?" Jack asked.

"Got our pairs, now we just need to get the vehicles." Shred proclaimed.

"Wait, what about fishing poles?" Solis asked.

"Dads got some to spare for us, plus I'm sure Jack will just use Dust, while Poch will use Shiva."

"I could, but I'd need a fishing line." Poch said.

"Also while on the subject," Echo turned to face Shelly, "no using Le-armes to shoot the fish."

"Aww can I atleast use my guns?" Shelly pouted.

"No." Everyone except Blitzø and Millie said.

"Aww." Blitzø, Millie, and Shelly sulked.

"Ok. Plans are set. Let's see that base!" Jack announced.

Stolas stiffened, sweating a bit. "Uhhh… we could… wait till later."

"Stolas, The Cleansing is in like two days, it'd be better to see it now than later." Blitzø told the owl.

"Um… right…" He twiddled his fingers nervously.

"Stolas?"

"Is there something you wanna tell us?" Jack asked.

"You've been acting weird everytime we bring up the base." Solis added.

"Uh… well… you see… I um…" Stolas sighed, "It'd be better if you just saw it yourself…" He said with some dread.

"Ok?"

"I'm sure whatever it is can't be that bad."


As they all stood in front of the building, Stolas looked stiff and nervous, while everyone else looked at the place with an expression that yelled "What the hell?" Even Shivarna came out, wanting to verify with his own eyes.

"...Stolas?" Blitzø spoke up.

"Y-Yes?" Stolas tried to sound innocent.

"...What the hell?"

"What?"

"Don't you what me!" Blitzø glared. "The fuck is with this!" He pointed at their apparent base.

The base was a four story tall building with neon lights all around. The color scheme was red and green and the sign was of a figure of a succubus with large breasts and rear leaning on the title of the place which was Succular Blessing. It was a strip club with its own hotel used for… special purposes. Under the bright neon sign was a plain sign that said "Exterminators Base" and it looked rushed. Currently it wasn't really busy with some people leaving, adjusting their clothes, having big smiles, or some with kiss marks on them.

"If you mean the sign, they plan to put a proper one in." Stolas said, trying to smile.

Everyone turned to face them, glaring at him.

"..." Stolas tried to keep his composure but was overly sweating. "...What was I supposed to do!? It was all I could get!"

"A sex house!?" Moxxie exclaimed.

"Its not a sex house! It's just a… very mature strip club."

"With a hotel, for fucking!" Jack glared.

"They have love rooms too."

"Stolas, I don't mean to sound like a prick, but couldn't you have just, I don't know, built a base?" Shred asked.

"I couldnt! Unlike the Wrath ring there's no open spaces!" Stolas defended.

"Dad, there's plenty of places around here that are less… perverted. Why'd you choose this one?" Octavia chastised.

"They were the only ones that accepted with the best terms!"

"Best terms?"

"They were the only place to give us all the demands…well… except for two without certain… payment, but i'm trying to negotiate out of that!"

"What payment?" Dundy asked.

"Um…certain… pictures of… Poch, Shelly, Shred, and Dundy."

"...What kind of pictures?" Poch asked.

"Just a few, you won't be naked…but… you'll be… kinda close to it."

"How fucking close?"

"Um…" Stolas gulped, "For Shelly a thong and a thin, but covering, bikini top. Poch gets one of those topless thrill seeker shrugs and a speedo. Shred just in a speedo, while Dundy gets the tight spandex vest with latex underwear."

"..." They all looked flabbergasted, except Shred who looked intrigued along with Octavia.

"...When's my eighteenth birthday?" Octavia asked.

"Not happening!" Stolas scolded.

"Yeah, no way in hell am I doing that!" Poch protested.

"Same." Dundy scowled.

"Yeah I'm not so sure." Shelly shook her head.

"I'm game." Shred said. They all looked at him with shock. "What? I ain't afraid to show off, I know I'm sexy." He smirked.

"I know but without it we won't get a terminal set up nor a proper radio room." Stolas relayed.

"Why them, what about the rest of us?" Jack asked.

"Yeah!" Moxxie said, equally offended.

"They were the top four best looking." Stolas answered.

"Ouch." Echo said, somewhat hurt.

"To be fair, you and Dundy were tied, so they flipped a coin."

"I feel better now."

"I'll gladly switch." Dundy said.

"I respectfully decline." Echo smirked.

"What about me?" Jack asked.

"Eh they say you're too…crass and not enough looks." Stolas replied.

"Horse shit!"

"Well you only need two, and you already got me." Shred said.

"Not me." Dundy said.

"Not me. I don't want any guy other than Solis gawking at me." Shelly added.

"Wouldn't do it even if I was single." Poch responded.

"Yeah, no chance in hell." Loona grabbed her boyfriend a bit possessively.

Stolas sighed. "I'll try harder in negotiating then. Maybe they asshole will be fine with just Shred. Ill figure out what to do about a radio room, atleast to keep track of everyone."

"I'll let them snap enough for four." Shred winked.

"Please don't become the Kitty Exterminator again." Solis commented.

"That was one time and my drink got spiked!" He turned red

"That guy ever call you again?" Jack asked.

"Shut it. Now can you show us our rooms, Stolas?"

"Of course." Stolas agreed.


They all got off the fifth floor elevator, the inside having the color batter of red and black, the red being roses.

"I managed to get you all rooms on this floor, side by side. Your names are already on the doors." Stolas explained.

"We don't choose?" Shelly asked.

"Not this time sadly, they needed to know what rooms ahead of time to make plagues so no one accidently walks in."

"Fair."

They all went to the doors that had their names, Poch stopping for a moment. "Hold on. There a room for me?"

"For you and Loona." Stolas smirked.

"Thanks but, I should be getting my daggers back soon and Loona lives with me so we don't really need a room."

"Loona can't go through your gates and you may have to leave in an emergency."

"Yeah but couldn't you just make a way back for me?" Loona asked.

"Yes, but there are times when I won't be available and Octavia may have the Grimoire. Plus you could consider it a bit of a… early honeymoon."

"Huh?" The two blushed.

"Well this area of the floor is the romance floor, the rooms being romantic themed for couples. Could be a nice getaway for you two."

"I uh.. well…um…" Poch turned to Loona, "Wh-what do you think?"

"Uh," Loona rubbed the back of her neck, "I guess… it could be nice… could at least check the place out."

"O-ok. Lets um… go see." He and his girlfriend both nervously headed to their room.

Stolas giggled a bit, watching them head off to their room as everyone else went to theirs, Shelly and Solis having a shared room, along with Moxxie and Millie.

"Hey Stolas." Blitzø called.

"Hm?" Stolas saw the imp gesture him over. "Yes?"

"How come your names not on here?" He pointed to his plague.

"Huh?"

"Your name. It's just mine there. I thought we'd be sharing a room. What, is it too much for you?"

"Blitzy I'm not going to stay here I-...wait… did you… want us to stay in a room together?"

Blitzø turned a bit pink in the cheek. "Uh…well," he looked away shyly. "Were…a couple so…only makes sense right? Plus I….like… waking up to your feathers…there… soft."

Stolas was surprised but made a wide smile. "I'll come over as much as I can!" He said giddily.

"Great." He tried not to smile. "Just don't uh… overdo it I guess… Now come on, let's check this place out." He took hold of Stolas's arm and pulled him in.


Poch and Loona took a look around the room. The bead was queen sized and heart shaped, in front of it was a love seat that was set in front of an electric fireplace with a 80 inch flatscreen with speakers on the side. There was a round coffee table on a red rug between the seat and the couch that had two remotes, one for the fireplace and one for the tv. There was a mini fridge beside the seat, a red dresser under the window, and heart patterned curtains. The door leading to the bathroom and shower was in the corner next to the closet.

"Looks… comfy." Loona commented.

"Y-yeah." Poch said.

Loona noticed a note on one of the nightstands and went to check it out. "Hey it's got netflix, Voxdora, rooms service, and…uh." She blushed.

"What?" Poch approached.

"N-nothing." She turned, smiling sheepishly, hiding the paper behind her.

Poch raised a brow, not buying it. "Loona?"

"...fine." She sighed. "...it said… thick walls so…no one can hear the…screams."

"Oh," Now Poch was red in the cheeks, "well then…b-besides that stuff it's not really different from our place, so…do you…wanna stay here for a bit?"

"Well… wait, our place?"

"Yeah, I mean since you moved in it's not just my place anymore so…yeah our place."

"Oh…well…I think it's a nice place…. needs a kitchen though."

"When I get my daggers back I can always hop over, cook, and bring you breakfast in bed." Poch smiled.

"I'd like that." She smiled back.

"Alright, guess that settles it. We're staying here for The Cleansing."

"Great."

"Great." Shivarna appeared.

"Shivarna? Why'd you come out?" Poch asked.

"Wanna see the place myself."

"Can't you see through me?"

"No, I can only hear, the rest is sense."

"Huh. Ok, but make it quick we gotta leave in a bit."

"Yeah yeah." He went to the couch, noticing something. "Oh!" He sat down and turned a nob, turning on the massager. "Mmmmm."

"Now he's just enjoying himself." Loona commented.

"Can't really blame him." Poch said, walking to the bed, placing himself on it. "Beds soft." He laid back.

Loona placed herself next to him laying back. "Yknow youd almost forget there's a stribclub here."

"And rooms for kinky fucking." He laughed.

"Heh, yeah… um…about that…offer for the terminal and stuff."

"The pics? Yeah I'm not doing that."

"Well no I don't want you to… at least… not for them."

"Huh?" He looked at her confused.

"Um," She looked away, a bit red, "well I think… you'd look… pretty sexy in something like that."

Poch blushed in turn. "Well… I think it'd look better on you to be honest. I can't pull off the sexy look."

"I think you can. Besides, it'd be… nice to see you in something like that."

"Really? I mean… it's not that you haven't seen what's underneath."

"Yeah but that doesn't mean you can't be sexy in clothes. It's…Enticing." She turned to him. "When we first sent a nude pic to each other I… imagined you in a few things."

"You too huh?" He shyly smiled, turning to her. "Do you.. still look at that pic sometimes."

"Course. You?"

"Yeah. I love your body, so why wouldn't I?" He turned a bit redder.

"Pervert." Loona chuckled.

"Oh you love this pervert."

Loona shuffled closer, wrapping her arms around him, holding him close. "Always." Her tail started to wag.

"Heh." He held her back, his tail wagging too. "...If you want me to wear that get up…I will…maybe more than once, but… you gotta wear something for me."

"Sure." She kissed his forehead.


Everyone pulled up to the fishing place, Stolas making sure to get them to an area where they wouldn't be seen being gated in, all going in their human forms, Blitzø and Moxxie staying back, Octavia being allowed to join. Stolas decided to wear a gray sweater and some khakis to help blend in, his human form having bright white skin, and red glasses to replicate his second eyes.

"Still think Mox could've worn a hat for his horns." Jack said.

"We don't got a big enough hat, plus there's hiding his tail." Shred told him.

"He's at least got the hoof part down." Millie said.

They all entered the place, agreeing to meet back up at the entrance after finding what they were looking for, and split up.

"You didn't have to help find a boat, ynow." Millie told Shred.

"Eh, my dads got one already so I don't mind." Shred answered.

"Thanks." The two looked around, looking at a good few fishing boats.

"Knowing you two I'd suggest a row boat, not only will that not scare off any fish, it's romantic. Moxxie could serenade ya and bring some love fish."

"Hah! Love fish!" Millie laughed.

"You laugh but that's actually how my dad and mom got together."

"Really?"

"I never told you?"

"No. What happened?"

"I'll tell you after we- huh?" Shred noticed someone outside the window.

"What?"

"I think I see Albest at the mall next door."

"Really?" Millie looked outside, thinking she spotted a human formed Albest. "Oh I think I see him."

"Might be a Purge coming up," Shred took out his phone, "I'm gonna ask if they need any backup or anything, go ahead and keep looking without me."

"Ok!" Millie skipped off, taking a look across all the different vehicles, mostly looking for ones with paddles. She stopped at one, thinking it looked decent.

"Catch your eye?" A male from behind said.

"Hm?" Millie looked back to see a five foot tall man with black flat hair. He had a silver ear piercing the shape of a spike going out the bottom of his right ear and two small round piercings on the top of his right ear, one black the other red. He was lean and had black eyes, wearing the uniform of the place which was a Black dress shirt and khakis, wearing a nametag that had the name Tenya on it.

He walked to the boat, smiling. "This model has a built- in cooler and while paddling is an option an engine can be added in case you need a quick getaway. It's good for a casual couple outing."

"That sounds nice, I'm going on a little fishing trip with my husband and some friends."

"Ah, then if you're pairing with your husband I could throw in something special for you two."

"Like what?"

"We may be a fishing place but we have a partnership with a winery. We could throw in a special champagne."

"That'd be good but we're all gonna cook what we catch afterwards so maybe we should hold off."

"Understandable, we have some cookout gear if ya need it."

"Nah, Drecks already got a spot to set up his grill."

"...Dreck?" He raised a brow and his smile dropped a bit.

"Yeah. You know him?"

"As in…Shreds dad, Dreck?"

"Oh you know Shred too, he's with me right now!"

"Really…and he's one of these friends of yours going on this trip?" His smile was almost completely gone.

"Yeah…is everything ok?" She noticed his demeanor changing.

"Hey Mils! You find anything good?" Shred called out, looking at his phone while walking up to her. "I just got off the phone with Albest he's apparently watching over some-" He put his phone away and looked up, freezing on the spot.

"Hey Shred, this a friend of yours?

"Uhhhh." He nervously smiled.

"Ex friend." Tenya said, frowning.

"H-...hey Tenya." He scratched the back of his neck.

"Hi sir. Can I help you with something?" He said with some animosity.

"C-come on dont be like that."

"Like what? Like a ditched person?"

"N-no I-"

"Would you like some fishing poles for this trip of yours? I'm sure your new buddies would like some good catches."

"T-Tenny it not-" He tried to keep his smile but he was failing.

"It's Tenya." He scowled.

Shred's smile went away completely and he tensed up. "Uh…right…"

Millie was looking between the two, feeling tension so tough she could axe it.

"So is there possibly anything I can get you, Mr Balk?" Tenya asked.

Shred seemed to tense up more to that. "Uh…no I'm good just…helping a friend look for something."

"Oh you mean her?" He gestured at Millie. "I'll admit she's cute, you really know how to pick them."

"No no, she's married. I'm just helping find something for her and her husband."

"Another friend of yours I'm guessing?"

"Y-yeah."

"Neat. Who else is joining? How many did you replace me with?"

"I-i didn't replace you, I could never replace you!" He said wide eyed, shocked by his accusation.

"Heard that before, like I'll be there when ya need me, no way I could keep secrets from you, not gonna leave ya hanging, should I keep going?"

"I-...well…" He avoided eye contact, fiddling with his fingers. "...can…can we not do this now?"

"..." Tenya furrowed his brows, glaring at Shred. "...I'm late for my break anyways." He walked off, nearly stomping.

Shred slouched and sighed, Millie walking up to him.

"What was that about?" She asked.

Shred looked away. "It's…nothing. You find a good boat?" He put on an obviously forced smile.

"Y-yeah but-"

"Oh is it this one?" He walked up to the boat they were near, taking a look at it. "It looks like a nice one."

"Well yea-"

"I think this is a good pick for you and Mox. You wanna keep looking anyway?"

"I wanna know what's going on." She said with her hands on her hips.

"Well what's going on is we could chose this or-"

"Shred!" Millie grabbed his arm, getting his attention.

"Wh-what is it?"

"What's wrong? You're forcing this."

"Pft, what?" He pulled off her arm. "I'm not forcing anything."

"Oh please, I've seen you smile enough to know you're forcing this one."

"I'm smiling how I always smile, what do you mean?"

"Don't bullshit me!"

"It's not bullshit!"

"..." Her expression softened, "Was he…that friend of yours from before you became an exterminator?"

He cringed a bit at that accusation, but was adamant on his smile. "M-maybe… but it doesn't matter now."

"Seems like it matters a lot. It was tense just watching you."

"It's just you Mils, there's nothing between us…not anymore."

"Shred," She looked into his eyes, "what happened between you two?"

"It's…I…nothing."

"It's something."

"I…"

"C'mon…you can talk to me." She gave him a sympathetic look.

"..." He sighed. "Millie I…When I became an exterminator I was….afraid…to see him."

"Why?"

"...Cause of how he sees angels and demons."

"What do you mean?"

"He… he sees demons as untrustworthy bastards and angels as uptight self satisfying saviors…when I turned into a demon I was afraid…he'd want to keep away from me…it was before I could even manage to stay human for an hour that…we had an argument that…separated us."

"Well…have you ever tried telling him? I mean you've seen demons like us and were not so bad. Maybe you can convince him."

"I doubt it's that easy."

"Can't know unless you try! Heck he can meet me first!"

"I know you're trying Mils, and I appreciate it, but…it's in the past…i'm over it."

"You sure about that?"

"Yeah." He said, looking away.

"Can you look me straight in the face and say you're ok with that."

"I…"

"I mean he's right there, you got a…." She pointed at Tenya and when she did she saw where he was going. "Uh…Shred."

"Yeah?"

"He's going to that mall."

"What!?" He whiped his head around and saw Tenya going into the building where the next purge was gonna start.

"We gotta stop him! There's a purge happening right!?"

"Y-yeah its about to start."

"Well we gotta go get him before angels attack!"

"I…" Shred fought with himself, looking worried at his old friend, "...He'll be fine."

"What?"

"Hell be fine…there are other exterminators there so…nothing bad should happen to him."

"You can't be-"

"Besides…sure he wouldn't want his demon ex friend to help him." He painfully looked away.

"...Are you sure you're ok with that? Leaving it to someone else?"

",,,Yeah."

"..." She sighed. "Ok, guess I'll be ok then too."

"Huh?" He looked at her.

"If he'll be fine, i'll be fine, be back soon!" She turned, about to walk off.

"Wait, are you crazy!? It's dangerous there!"

"There are other Exterminators so I'll live." She glanced back. "That's what you said, didn't you?"

"Oh you are not turning that on me!"

"You can always come with me."

"Mils i'm not going!"

"Ok, seeya!"

"I…gr…ugh…aah!" He dragged his hands through his face, wanting to claw himself. "AGH!" he rushed up and picked up Millie. "I hate you for this!"

"No you don't, Lets go!" Millie smirked.


Tenya walked through the mall, wondering what to eat, absentmindedly looking at the restaurants close by, most of his mind occupied by just seeing Shred. He sighed, trying not to think about him. "Years after ditching me, he's found a group of friends to replace me…dick…Think ill get some sub-" He was cut off by the world around him gaining a shade of gray, the colors draining from the area. "What the-?" He saw that the only thing with color were the people, who also noticed the change in pigments. As he inspected around him, high up in the sky, white portals opened up, a light emanating from them as angelic creatures came out, swooping to the ground. "What the-!?" Tenya was startled by the event, even more so when he saw them close in on the people surrounding, one landing with a spear about to stab someone that was nearby through the chest. He looked away, not wanting to see the impalement, hearing them scream and hearing something akin to flesh being torn. He didn't look back, finding a path to run too and taking it. As he ran, looked up and saw more of the angels come down, some taking sights on him. He ran as quick as he could, not knowing what was going on, but not wanting to meet the last person's fate. He saw a corner and tried to take it, thinking it to be a decent hiding spot, his ears picking up the sounds of screams and cuts. He tried not to look back, not wanting the gruesome image of someones inside being ripped out burned in his mind. He almost made it to a spot til a large angel wielding an axe fell from the balcony. It saw Tenya and moved to get up.

"Shit! Run dude!" Someone said from above.

Tenya didn't hear him, too shocked and afraid by what he saw, walking back as the huge figure rose, wondering what he could do, thinking there's no way he could hurt such a thing especially without a weapon. Then he heard a voice he knew well, saying a line all too familiar to him.

"Ten, under and over!"

Tenya got down, bending forward on his knees letting the person jump over him, seeing that it was some cat man, and dug his claws into the angel's face, ripping it off with seamless ease. He plopped on the ground, standing tall, shaking the head off. Tenya recognized what he wore and even though he looked nothing like him, he reminded him of a certain ex-friend. Once the cat looked back at him with a mixture of uncertainty and fear he knew who it was. "Shred!?"

"..." Shred fully turned to him, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah…hey Tenya."

"Wh-what the hell ar-!?" He was cut off by Shred dashing to him, pulling him back and swinging his claws at the face of multiple incoming angels.

"Can we not talk around the horde of angels right now? Look, I'll have Millie take you somewhere safe until the purge is over."

"Purge? Wait Millie!?"

"Right here!" Millie popped up beside him, in her demon form and weilding an axe she borrowed.

"What the hell!?" Tenya nearly jumped.

"I'll get you somewhere safe! Cmon!" She grabbed his wrist.

"Hold on! I'm not going anywhere with yo-"

Millie interrupted him by lifting him from underneath, holding him up above her. "Yes you are!"

"You are stronger than you look." Tenya said, genuinely surprised by the Imp woman's strength.

"Ill take him up!"

"Thanks Mills!" Shred thanked, flexing his claws. "I'll make a path!" He went ahead and cut down all the angels that were before him, clearing a way for the two, letting Millie take Tenya away.

As they were traveling Tenya noticed the angel corpses from all around, not seeing a single dead human, seeing what looked to be other demons fighting the assailants. Seeing the torn corpses made his stomach turn. "Oh fuck…" He cringed.

"Pretty cool huh?" Millie commented.

"L-let me down!"

"Not till were sa-"

"Hurp! Lemme down!"

"Oh shit!" She set him down near a trash can, letting him hurl.

"Gore makes him sick." Shred mentioned. "Staying here should be fine, just stay back ok?"

"Alright!" She waved him off as he went to fight, turning to Tenya, Patting his back as he puked. "No worries, I'll fend them off till it gets safe."

He swiped her hand away, wiping his mouth. "I'm not giving you my soul!"

"Why the hell would I want that?"

"That's what demons want right? Our souls for…demon things?"

"The hell are you- Have you ever met a demon before?"

"Well no bu-"

"Well then how the hell do you know what I'd want? And don't say church!"

"I wasn't gonna! But you gotta want something, you're a demon after all!"

"The first you've ever met! Lemme tell you, we ain't like what you read in stories or movies, I'm actually a nice country gal once you get to know me!"

"I find that hard to believe."

"And what tells you that? Experience? Rumors? Stuff you've just heard about like gossip."

"I…well." He felt called out.

"I'm listening." She had a smug grin.

"...alright fine you got me there, but I still don't trust you."

"Shred trusts me."

"...Like that helps…" He glanced over to Shred, quickly looking away when he saw him dismember a head, holding in his lunch. "How long….how long has he been a demon?"

"He uh…he isn't. He just looks like it."

"What?"

"Well…it'd be better if he told you."

"...He hasn't told me before so why would he now?"

"I…" She sat next to Tenya, "Look he…he was afraid to tell you…honestly I can't blame him…you were so quick to think I wanted your soul or something that I would've been afraid to show you that side of me too."

"...It's not like he couldn't try…is this why he ghosted me?...Even if he was a demon what would that change….Look, Millie right?"

"Yeah."

"You're right…i've never met a demon, nor do I know really know what demons are like…still you seem…pretty cool to be honest…but still…doesn't change the fact that…Shred abandoned me…he didn't even try to tell me…he should know me better than that…I would've never cut ties with him just cause he's a demon….It doesn't change what we've been through together…" Tenya looked a bit betrayed as he thought about it.

"Well…he made a mistake…" She looked at him sympathetically and hopeful, "Maybe you could give him a second chance?"

"...I don't know…Is it possible to leave…whatever this is?"

"Not til it's over. Even then there's some time before the subspace ends."

"Alright…I'm gonna leave as soon as it's all done…but…I'm gonna order pizza and have a movie night on friday…i'll be alone so I might just accept any company."

Millie smiled. "Can there be multiple?"

"...Maybe."

She hugged him. "Thanks!"

"Boy you're an affectionate one." He chuckled.


The purge was ending, the angels numbers thinning, Exterminators grabbing halos and starting up the process of erasing memories. Tenya left back, glancing back at Millie and giving her a small wave goodbye.

"Hope you enjoy your trip." He said as he left.

"Thanks!" Millie waved off.

It wasn't long till Shred came up to her. "Hey Mils. Where's Tenya?"

"He just left."

"Ah…ok."

"He said th-"

"So you picking that boat?"

"Huh?"

"That one boat you were looking at, you gonna get it?"

"Well maybe. But that's beside the point, Tenya said he's willing to have some company this friday."

"O-oh?"

"Yeah so it could be your chance to patch things up with him!" Millie smiled.

"Uh…Im…gonna be busy so…maybe not."

"What!? What are you gonna be busy with?"

"St-...stuff." He looked away nervously.

"Shred, what are you so scared of?"

"I…I…" He sighed. "Can we…talk about this later, I can't go human yet and the subspace is about to fade."

".." Millie huffed. "Fine." She said, rolling her eyes.

"Thanks, I'll get a way back home, you go ahead and finish up your purchase." He weakly smiled, turning to meet up with Albest.

"Ok." She waited till he walked away before getting her phone and calling Moxxie.

"Hello?" Moxxie said.

"Hun, I need a favor."


"Ok so, we're gonna need something big and one that can hold alot of weight." Poch said to his girlfriend.

"Why? How much you planning to catch?" Loona asked.

"Not alot but we're gonna need it for a certain Shivarna."

"Oh yeah…He's not gonna try to eat the fish is he?"

"I….don't know. I would ask him but I can't summon shadow demons in my human form so HRK!" He convulsed, his symbol showing and his eyes changing for a second before going back to normal.

"Whoa, you ok!?"

"I'm fine." He huffed, feeling his chest. "I think Shivarna was trying to tell me something. Guess even when my demonic arts are suppressed he can still hear me."

"Can he still sense?"

"I dont GRRRPG!" He convulsed. "Hey, calm down there!" He felt his chest.

"Add that to the list of weird things Shivarna can do."

"Right? GEK!" This one was a short one. "Stop it!"


"This seems like a nice one." Octavia told Dundy, pointing at a classic rowboat.

"A rowboat? I guess I don't mind rowing a bit, as long as Jack doesn't challenge a race." Dundy said.

"He definitely would."

"Yeah I would." Jack said, passing by. He noticed what they were looking at. "Ah, romantic row boat. Gonna serenade her and the fish?"

"I will cave your nose in." Dundy cracked a knuckle.

"Will you though?" Octavia asked.

"Huh?"

"Serenade. It'd be a nice ambiance."

"Uh," He blushed, "I um… I don't wanna scare off the fish."

"Oh c'mon you have a nice voice, plus I'm curious on how Loona felt when Poch sang for her."

"I uh…guess I know a few German songs."

"They're not romantic are they?" Stolas asked, being close by.

Octavia groaned. "Dad, you said you wouldnt creep."

"Not creeping, just looking at something me and Blitzy could use."

"You could use cleaning supplies?" Octavia rose a brow.

"Uh," He noticed he was near an assortment of cleaning tools for fishing poles, "fishing poles can get dirty. Besides, wont a rowboat slow you down? I don't want you getting left behind."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm sure we'll be fine, you forget Dundy's pretty strong." She felt his arms.

"Strong doesn't mean fast and I don't think he likes you feeling his arm like that."

"He's never said anything before."

"Before?" He nearly glared, almost at Dundy.

"Sh-shes joking!" Dundy was quick to defend, hearing Octavia chuckle.

"Is she?"

"Yes dad. If it makes you feel better, we'll get on with a motor." Octavia told him.

"I just don't want you getting too far behind is all."

"Owl dad!" Jack shouted nearby. He was hit by a pen from Stolas's jacket. "Ouch!"

"You asked for that." Albest said next to Jack.

"I did not….What the-!?"

"Albest!?" Everyone said in surprise.

"Hey." Albest smirked.

"What are you doing here?" Jack asked.

"Well I was nearby cause of a Purge and when Shred told me about this trip you guys were having."

"Yes, we're having a fishing trip actually, tomorrow after the cleansing. Shred's father suggested it for luck." Stolas explained.

"Sounds fun. Can I join?"

"You wanna join us?" Jack questioned.

"That's what I asked."

"Well we're going in pairs. We got the two pairs of love pups, the love imps, the imp and love bird, the love actual birds, the father son duo, and me with Echo so it'd just be you alone."

"Well we could triple. I wouldn't be a third wheel between you Echo…would I?"

"N-…No. You wouldn't but I'd have to ask him."

"Alright sweet."

"We are gonna have a cookout afterwards so you could possibly bring a plus one. Maybe someone who…lent a katana?" Stolas suggested.

"I could ask Rex but dont get your hopes up."

"I'll try."

"Why Rex?" Jack asked.

"No reason," Stolas said, smiling innocently. "Also don't think I didn't catch that love bird comment."

"Am I wrong?" Jack smirked. He got slapped in the back of the head by Albest. "Ow!"

"Thank you."

"Welcome," Albest thumbed up.


The next day.

Everyone was gathered at the lake. It was wide and near forest so they wouldn't be seen by passersby even during the cookout. Dreck had already set up the cook out and had the boats set at the harbor.

"Alright group, everythings set up, we got an hour to catch fins and then afterward Poch, Shred, and I will cook them up." Dreck said.

"Huh?" Poch and Shred looked at him confused.

"Hol up, we never agreed to this." Shred said.

"Yeah, besides why am I always on cooking duty?" Poch asked.

"You know why." Shivarna said.

"Shut it."

"I thought it was obvious." Dreck shrugged.

"Ok but why me?" Shred asked.

"Your claws are good for scaling."

"Shivarna has claws."

"Leave me out of this." Shivarna shook his head.

"Yeah but it's good bonding." Dreck held his arm around his son, bringing him close.

Shred groaned. "Like we won't get enough while fishing."

"Well…"

"What?"

"Nothing, let's get catching!"

"Hey Mox, bet you I'll catch more than you." Blitzø challenged, heading to his vehicle.

"Hah, I didn't think you knew how to use a pole, at least not a fishing one." Moxxie smirked.

"Oh thems fishing words!" Blitzø rolled up his sleeves.

"Just don't cheat."

"How would I cheat?"

He pointed at Stolas.

"I'm not gonna ask Stolas to use his magic! I have integrity."

"Let's see if it lasts once you see how far behind you are."

"Oh look at the little confident possum." He gave a glare but with a smirk.

"And the soon to be last place Owl pecker." Mox smirked with a more challenging glare.

"You let owls peck ya?"

"What no I meant…oh…well played."

Blitzø couldn't help but laugh, patting Mox on the back. "Good luck Mox." He smiled.

"You too sir." Moxxie smiled back. They both took a step into their boats.

As Blitzø and Stolas got on the boat, they noticed Echo getting on with Moxxie.

"Hm? I thought Millie was with you?" Stolas asked.

"She wanted to switch." Moxxie answered.

"Why's that?" Blitzø questioned.

"Something about a friend of Shred's?" He shrugged.


Shred was untying the rope and checking the items. "Cooler, spare lines, spare poles, no sex jokes dad, bait, hooks, and vests. All set da-" He turned to face his dad only to see Millie near the motor. "Millie!?"

"Ready to go?" Millie asked, revving up the engine.

"What are you doing here!?"

"Switched out with Dreck. He's with Jack and Albest now."

"Why?"

"Why not? Let's go!" She started the engine, zooming them off, nearly tripping him.


"Have you ever fished before?" Dundy asked Octavia as he handed her a fishing pole.

"No. Have you?" She answered, taking the pole and setting the bait on the hook with some disgust.

"Once before with my dad. It was on his bucket list ever since he found out he was ill."

"Oh really? How was it?" She was about to throw the line but Dundy stopped her.

"You're gonna tangle it if you throw it like that. Do it like this." He swung his pole from the side, stopping halfway and letting go of the trigger, the line flying off.

"Hm." She mimicked him, her hook landing in the water. "I got it!"

"Nice…it was hectic by the way."

"Huh?"

"The trip I took with my dad. He went a bit overboard, wanting to catch the most in a short time, so he used five lines at a time."

"Five!?"

"Five," he chuckled, "it was a mess. The lines kept getting tangled, he nearly dropped a few poles, hooked our clothes a few times, he even managed to catch a fish with two hooks."

"One on two!?"

"Yes! He nearly hit me with it when he reeled it in! It was a trout too so that would've hurt!"

"Oh my satan, that sounds ridiculous!" Octavia laughed.

"It was…still…he wanted to go again…sadly…it was only gonna be that one time."

Octavia looked at him sadly. "Oh…I'm sorry."

"It's fine," He smiled.

"...When do you plan to visit him again?"

"Sometime next week."

"Can I come?"

"Of course. I'm sure my father would love to meet you….though I can't have you drink."

"Guess you'll just have to drink a glass for me."

"Uh…I'd rather not get drunk."

"Oh yeah, you are a lightweight."

"One thing I didn't inherit from my parents."

"Could just take some time, you only started recently since you turned twenty-one thi-" She was cut off by her pole getting pulled. "I got one!"

"Reel it in!"

She pulled back, pulling her line, struggling a bit as her catch was putting up a fight. "It's fighting back!"

"Pull!" He grabbed her pole and pulled back with her. They managed to pull out the fish. her falling back onto him, it being a large one. "Nice you got a big one!"

"I didn't expect it to pull so much."

"Heh, fish are fighters." He placed it in the cooler.

"Thanks for helping." She leaned back, "You're a good cushion."

"I'm not tha- Hm?" He was cut off by a red magic mist appearing before him. "What the-?" The mist formed into letters saying "Back away now!"

Octavia sighed. "Dad, he was only helping me."

The words changed to say; "And he has. Now he can back away!"

She rolled her eyes, leaning off him so he could move.


"Better." Stolas said, keeping an eye on his daughter.

"Yknow she's gonna turn eighteen soon, so you can't expect to keep being able to do this." Blitzø told him. "She's not gonna be your little girl for long, soon she's gonna be leaving the nest and you gotta be ready for that."

"Speaking from experience?" He glanced back, raising a brow.

"Th-that's different!"

"Your crying from before tells otherwise."

"Y'know I still haven't forgiven you for blabbing about that."

"Oh? What are you gonna do about it?" He said sexually, getting close to his face, rubbing his chin.

Blitzø smirked. "Oh keep it in the bed, Gabreilla!" He nudged him back.

Stolas gasped. "You watched it!"

"W-well," Blitzø blushed, looking away shyly, "yeah it…was pretty good."

He giddily hopped on the spot. "How far did you go!?"

"Uh…maybe…episode eight."

"Oh so far! I didn't expect you to actually watch the show!"

"Well…I said I wanted this relationship so…Im..gonna put some work into…caring about what you like."

Stolas was touched. "Oh Blitzy."

"Oh dont get sappy on me."

"Did you really like it though?"

"Yeah it wasn't bad."

"You don't have to force yourself."

"I'm not forcing it. I actually want this…and I'm not gonna deny these feelings this time or run away…I'm gonna be with you," he looked him in the eyes, "till the end. I promise that."

"Oh," Stolas teared up, "Blitzy!" He embraced him in a hug.

"Oh I just said don't get sappy!" Blitzø huffed, eventually hugging him back.


"Can I please use Dust?" Jack asked.

"No." Albest and Dreck said.

"Oh come on! I could catch so many fish with it!"

"And I could fry this whole lake with my abilities alone. No Shadow demons." Albest said.

"But we agreed I could!"

"We didn't."

"Ugh yall suck."

"You could use Dust Dive if you want." Dreck suggested.

"What would that do?"

"Store the fish."

"I'm not- HRK!" Jack got a hot flash and fell, panting while his symbol was glowing.

"Jack!"

"You ok!?" Albest approached him with Dreck.

Jack was gasping for a few seconds before his breathing calmed down. He raised up. "Sorry."

"That thing calling you again?"

"Yeah. I'm ok now. This one was short."

"How long till that hound can see you?" Dreck asked.

"Gonna be a while. He's handling some stuff for the corps." Albest answered.

"Book related?" Jack asked.

"A little. A recent chapter did reveal a little bit about the beginnings of the unknown period."

"Oh yeah?"

"Something about a daughter of a satanist wanting to create a second hell."

"A second hell?" Dreck rose a brow.

"Yeah, thinking this will lead to the Ravagers."

"Still crazy to believe the first human demons were from so long ago." Jack said.

"I'm more curious on how they became one cause it took you guys getting resources from hell didn't it?" Dreck said.

"Well it's a satanist daughter so maybe she called someone from hell?"

"It's a theory." Albest acknowledge.

"Hm…Yknow…My uncle was a crazy satanist. My mom wanted nothing to do with him, and when he called I saw why….Like no offense to demons or anything but the dude was saying Satan was calling him."

"Yeah that's pretty nuts."

"Thing is, I remember this time he mentioned my dad."

Albest seemed taken aback while Dreck looked interested.

"Your dad?" Dreck asked.

"Yeah, I didn't really put much thought into it, besides it's not like I'm gonna ask him, especially now."

"Maybe you should, could give you some lead."

"Nah. My dad's business is his, and he wants me and Nala out of it till he sorts it out, so I'm gonna respect his wish."

"You… sure you're ok with that?" Albest asked.

"Whaddya mean?"

"What if it takes longer than you think?"

"If he takes longer, then I'll search for him. How? I don't know, I'll figure it out. But I trust him." He smirked.

"Heh. Your dad has a pretty cool son." Albest said a bit solemnly.


"What if my gun shot hooks? Think thatd be useful?" Shelly asked Solis, looking at her pole and glancing at her gun.

"Like a grappling hook?" Solis questioned.

"More like a grapple gun. I could tell Gen about it, could help especially in traversal."

"Gonna be a spider hound?" Solis chuckled.

"Heh. Spider hound, spider hound, does everything a spider hound does!" She laughed.

"And now I can see you in a spider suit."

"I did dress as Spider girl one halloween when I was younger. Dax went as Venom."

"I think Dax told me that last time we were over."

"Speaking of, has he messaged you recently?"

"No. Why?"

"I haven't been able to call him in a while. I asked Dad and he said its cause of a project hes working on. Gens been kinda hard to reach lately too. Is it me or is that kinda a wierd coincidence?"

"Kinda but whats Dax and Gen gonna do?"

"I wonder…"


Shivarna chomped on a fish, having taken it out the bucket.

"Will you stop eating all the fish!" Poch chastised.

"We're gonna cook them later, why are you eating them now?" Loona added.

"I like it raw." Shivarna answered.

"You've never had them before!" The two said in unison. Shivarna whimpered before dismissing.

"Ugh, I feel like I'm in a comedy." Poch groaned.

"Couldn't you just summon Shiva? Keep him from being Shivarna." Loona suggested.

"I'd try but I'm afraid Klarna would just mess with Shiva to get me back."

"Yeah, that'd be a pain in the ass."

"You're telling me."

Loona's line tugged. "Oh hey I got one!" She pulled hard, and managed to bring up a big one.

"Nice! I think that's a trout!" He took hold of it and it tried to slap him. "Whoa there!"

"I got it." Shivarna appeared.

"No you don't, you're gonna eat it!"

"No I won't."

"Yes you will!"

As the two argued Loona went ahead and grabbed the bucket.

"Trust me!" Shivarna bargained.

"I can't!" He reached for the bucket, accidentally grabbing Loona's breast as she was turning.

"Mmph!" She grunted.

"Oh sorry!" He blushed, retracting his hand. "I wasn't looking!"

"It's fine."

"Sorry."

"Stop apologizing…besides I…" She blushed, "like it when you touch me."

"Oh…well…cool." He said a bit nervously.

"In fact I'd…can you…"

"What?"

"...Can you…touch me…more often?"

"Huh?"

"Well we're dating now, and you know I like your touch so…I just…want you to do it more often… like when we cuddle …and especially on my ass." She mumbled that last part.

"What was that last part?"

"Nothing just…"

"If…you want me to do it more often then…I will…well not now obviously."

"Well duh." She chuckled. She reached up and grabbed him, pulling him into her lap. "Cmon, I'm gonna try and get a bigger one."

"Ok," He wrapped his tail around her waist, "I'll catch a bigger one than that."

"That a challenge?" She smirked.


"Hand me some bait please." Echo asked.

"Here." Moxxie handed him some bait.

"Thanks. I think we're doing good, you?"

"We got more fish than I thought."

"Right." He sighed. "This is nice."

"Yeah, It's pretty calming. You ever fish before?"

"A few times with my brother and Dawn."

"Oh…is it-"

"It's not painful to bring up. There…cherished memories." He looked at his right hand, thinking about summoning.

"Echo?" Moxxie noticed him looking.

"Im…."

"Are you thinking about summoning her?"

"...What…what would you do in my situation?"

"Me?"

"I feel…desperate. My wife, daughter and brother seem so close to me, like I never lost them, yet…I don't know if it's truly them…I hear their voices, I've felt their touch…it's like they're actually there…but…not at the same time….what would you do?"

"I…I don't know…" Moxxie regrettably answered, tearing up. "I'm sorry…I wish I could answer you, or help you in any way," he wiped his tears, more just gushing out as he thought more on his pain, "But I can't."

"It's fine…I shouldn't have asked you that. Sorry."

"..." he set his fishing pole down and gave the hound a tight hug from the back.

"Heh." He reached back, smiling and petting him. "You're a nice guy, you know that?"


Shred and Millie were catching a few fish, fishing in some silence as Millie hummed.

"Alright, enough times passed. What's up?" Shred asked.

"Nothing. Tenya sent ya invite." Millie replied.

"H-he did?" He raised an ear to that, somewhat surprised.

"Yeah he's getting a pizza and watching movies on friday. You gonna go?"

"I…I don't know."

"Ok, what are you so scared of?" Millie turned to him, setting her pole down.

"Huh?" He looked at her a bit confused.

"You're scared to see him. Why?"

"Mils…" He sighed, knowing he wouldn't be able to lie to her. "Look I messed up with him, we cut ties, and…I made peace with that…I hated it but what was I gonna do…Now I got a chance to get my best friend back but…Im afraid its already too late or…that i'll make it worse….that he won't understand or agree with the whole become a demon thing…thats what I'm afraid of."

"Shred," Mille came closer, placing her hand on his shoulder, "you got a chance to patch things up. You can't ju-" She froze, seeing something on the ground.

"What?" He raised a brow, wondering why she froze.

"Ce-….ce-ce-ce-..." She started to shiver.

"Ce?"

"Ce-ce-cent-"

"Cent? Need change?" He looked to where she was looking and saw a small centipede crawling around. "Oh a centipede." He reached for it, picking it up. "Wonder how this got o-"

"EEK!" Millie jumped back.

"What? It's just a-" He brought it closer.

Millie moved away, gripping his neck tightly, turning away from the insect. "Get it away!"

"E-eh?" He brought it closer.

Her grip tightened, choking the cat. "AWAY AWAY! GET RID OF THAT THING!"

"GRPLGH!" Shred tossed it away, patting Millie's hands on his neck. "ich auwauy! Itch auwuay!"

She looked to see if it was true. "You didnt drop it on the boat did you!?"

"No no!"

"Phew." She let go of his neck, feeling relieved.

He coughed, breathing clearly. "Jeez Mils!"

"Sorry." She looked apologetic.

"You're afraid of centipedes?"

"Yeah…" She was embarrassed to admit it.

"I didn't know that. When were you afraid of centipedes?"

"When….when I was young… My dad accidently left me in the barn when he was working on the fields and…. a whole bunch of them crawled on me and one nearly bit me….. It was terrifying."

"Dang. That sounds scary." Shred looked at her sympathetically.

"It was…every time I see one I just…remember that day."

"I'm sorry."

"Can…you not tell Moxxie about this?"

"Huh? Why not?"

"He uh," She nervously chuckled, "he doesn't know."

"...What?" He was surprised by that.

"He doesn't know."

"Whoa whoa whoa. Moxxie, your husband, your lovely hubby, doesn't know you have a fear of centipedes."

"No," She huffed, blushing in embarrassment, "and I don't want him to know."

"Why?"

"Cause…don't laugh but…it's cause I'm…the strong one in our relationship."

"Huh?"

"Not saying Moxxie's the weak one just that…." She tried to find the words, "He sees me as the strong, heck you remember what he said to ma and pa, so if he knows about this fear then…he won't see me as strong anymore." She seemed troubled by that thought.

"...Bullshit."

"Huh?" She looked at him confused.

"Millie having a fear doesn't make you weak." He looked at her seriously. "I fight angels, I go into battle fighting monsters and giant beasts at least every month and you know what….I'm afraid every time I go into battle."

"Yo-...You are?" She was taken by surprise by that.

"I don't know what I'm gonna face or what to expect, especially since now we got crusaders and buffed up angel bosses…I could get hurt like real bad or…die even…its a thought I always have,"

"Oh…I didn't really think about that…you always look…excited."

"It's cause I don't let it control me. I like a good fight and I use that to pump me up and push the fear away…Being afraid of things doesnt mean youre not strong." He smiled. "It's not letting that fear hold you down makes you strong. You can be scared of something all you want but you can't let it shackle or hold you back…sometimes you gotta just move past it or rather…face it head on."

"...Like your fear of messing up with Tenya." Millie smirked.

Shred was taken aback and a bit flustered. "W-well…that's different."

"How? You just said you gotta face it head on don't you?"

"I…well-"

"And you're not weak, not in the slightest, so you're definitely not gonna let this fear shackle you? Right?" Millie's smirk got wider and she got a bit sassy.

"..." Shred groaned, knowing he basically backed himself into a corner. "I hate you."

"No you dont."


Poch, Shivarna, Shred, and Dreck were cooking up what everyone caught, everyone chatting it up near the campfire, Dundy and Octavia being watched by Stolas, Blitzø asking Loona about how she's been living with Poch, Moxxie and Millie listening to a few stories from Echo about his daughter, Jack, Shelly, and Solis talking to Albest about some friends in the corps.

"Fish is ready!" Drek announced, setting what they all cooked on a table they all set up. Everyone gathered around, gathering a plate and joining back up for more conversations.

"Hm?" While Albest was talking to Jack and Shred, he glanced back, noticing something in the forest.

"What's up?"Jack asked.

"Be right back." Albest walked off, taking his weapon, heading to Stolas.

"The best part is-" Stolas was speaking to Shelly and Millie about his favorite soap opera before he was grabbed by Albest.

"C'mere please." He pulled him over.

"Wha- hey!"

Jack looked at Shred who just shrugged and went to get more fish. Jack went to approach Poch, who was giving his Shadow Demon a plate.

"Ok but this is the last one." Poch said.

"Thanks." Shivarna took the plate, chowing down.

"Hey dude." Jack greeted him.

"Hey." Poch returned the greeting.

"He ever get full?"

"I…dont know."

"We should test that someday."

"With what? I ain't cooking for him."

"Aww." Shivarna sulked.

Jack let out a laugh. When he stopped he thought about something. "Hey…so how's your dad searching?"

"We were gonna see Tania today but when we told her about the trip she decided to reschedule."

"You really think she's gonna find him?"

"Probably. She is helping me find out some things. Why?" Poch looked at him curiously.

"Nothing just…curious." He said a bit offhandedly.


"Where are you taking me!?" Stolas asked Albest who dragged him into the woods. When they turned the corner they saw someone leaning against a big tree. "Rex?!"

"Hey there partner." Albest smirked.

"..." Rex sighed. "Why'd you bring him?"

"As an excuse, for you, on why you suddenly appeared out of nowhere."

"What are you even doing here?" Stolas asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" Albest motioned to the group.

"Oooh. Well then why are you hiding?"

"He's shy."

"Not shy." Rex disagreed.

"Then you should have no issue joining us for the cookout."

"Not hungry."

Albest approached the hellhound exterminator, setting his hammer across from him. "Oh quit acting like an edgelord." He leaned onto Rex's shoulder.

"Edgelord?"

"We got a feast of fish all cooked up and grilled! That Pocho is a good cook, you should try it!"

"I'll…pass."

"Edgelord."

"Stop it."

"Oh c'mon Rex, what's the point of being here if you're not going to join? Are you just gonna watch?" Stolas questioned.

"I…was just…curious on this trip…that's all." He glanced over at the group, eyeing a specific person.

"So you're just gonna stay here the whole night? Watching like a creepy edgelord?"

"Enough with the edgelord. I'm fine where I am and I'm not moving."

"Re-"

Albest stopped Stolas before he continued. "He's made up his mind. Let's leave the edgelord be."

"Call me that one more time and I'm gonna break your horns and place them right out your ears."

"Yeah yeah, let's go Stolas." He pulled Stolas away, the Goetia giving Rex a disapproving and a bit frustrated glare.

The glare didn't last as Albest pulled him in to whisper something in his ear. "Oh!"

Rex sighed, glancing off the side, watching. A rattling sound got his attention. "Hm?" He looked to see Rex's hammer shaking. "What is he-?" A portal opened up beside him and once it did the weapon moved, spinning right at him. "Son of a-!" He blocked the hit on the side but was pushed through, sliding into the crowd, surprising everyone.

"Rex?" Moxxie and Blitzø said, not expecting him.

"You're a little late for the fishing dude." Jack joked.

"Uh…Hi." Rex waved awkwardly.

"Well y'know what they say, better late then never." Stolas sassily smiled with Albest.

Rex growled, glaring at Stolas specifically. "Cmere." He motioned for him to come towards him while he walked to him.

Stolas's smile dropped quickly and he began to sweat fearfully. "Um…i-it wasn't my idea you know, It was his!" He pointed to Albest while backing away. Rex wasn't listening, only coming closer. "R-really I didn't want any involvement in this!" He was backed against a tree, Rex now right in front of him. "Um…sorry?" He tried to plead.

Rex grabbed him by the shirt. "Take a dip!" He tossed him into the lake, the squealing on his way in. "You," He pointed at Albest, "I'll get later." He marched to the table, getting some food.

Everyone looked amongst the other, mostly shrugged, and went back to talking, Blitzø going to his boyfriend, helping him out of the water. They continued having a good time, Rex even going to Poch to compliment him on the food and getting hugged by Shivarna, for a few hours before it was time to head back, everyone feeling ready for the upcoming cleansing.


End.

Next Chapter. Calling.